Pope Leo XIV received in audience on March 16 to the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. After greeting them all, the Pontiff thanked them for “their service to the Church in protecting children, adolescents and people in situations of vulnerability”.
The Holy Father described the work of the Commission as “a demanding service, sometimes silent and often burdensome, but essential for the life of the Church and for the building of an authentic culture of care.”.
On the other hand, Leo XIV recalled the intention of Pope Francis, who wanted to “remind the whole Church that the prevention of abuse is not an optional task, but a constitutive dimension of the Church's mission”. He also admitted that he was “greatly encouraged by the dialogue you have fostered with the Disciplinary Section of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.” Thanks to this, he continued, “prevention” and “disciplinary vigilance” are united “in a truly synergistic and effective way.”.
Culture of care
The Pope explained that the prevention is not reduced to a set of norms, but “it is a matter of helping to form, in the whole Church, a culture of care”. Something that, the Holy Father stressed, is not “an obligation imposed from outside, but a natural expression of faith”.
To foster this culture, it is necessary to go through “a process of conversion in which the sufferings of others are heard and move us to act”.
Pope Leo XIV also encouraged the members of the Commission to further incorporate dialogue with the Dicasteries and to encourage support for all local communities and Churches.
Finally, the Pontiff expressed his desire to receive the Annual Report of the Commission. He concluded by pointing out that “the protection of minors and people in vulnerable situations is not an isolated area of ecclesial life, but a dimension that cuts across pastoral care, formation, governance and discipline”.
